Wildwood Park — Attraction in Puyallup

As a 'wild' green space, its promise is great. However, the level of disrepair and neglect - compared to other parks within the city limits and in the region - is astonishing.

The exercise path has not been maintained and repaired in what appears to be years.

The shelters have only a vague resemblance to those images peppering the park's website, as most - in reality - are unkept, uncleared and uncleaned, with roofing moss covered and deteriorating, decay that threatens the entire structure and portends significant future expenditures that will no doubt require replacement of the shelter.

Natural paths within the parks are 'natural' and yet show not even the slightest signs of a caretaker's hand.

This point is one that is particularly troubling, as it seems to reflect a resonant problem within Puyallup. Whoever is the caretaker appears to have acquired the residence but not assumed the responsibilities implicit.

(Perhaps that individual is yet one more nepotistic appointment, another of those that plague the City of Puyallup, from its police to its public works departments - many of whom are folks that complain bitterly about 'the government' yet have no problem suckling from its local teat).

The paved roadways are clear, and availability of parking ample. These are good features, but ones not distinguishing a natural setting or a park as they can also be found in a big box store lot.

As a wondrous natural resource, Wildwood Park presents potential, but that is undermined by a lack of care and commitment to community service and the collective good that could fully realize its capacities. Indeed, those in whose care it is vested are inattentive to its needs and demands, a failing that mars it.

But, too - and this does not excuse it - such diseragard is endemic to our society and thus is a central reason why so much of what was good for the public no longer is - or will be - unless a spirit of civic pride and honorable service returns. Without such a change, Wildwood Park will continue to deteriorate just like...

My husband and I got married here 7 years ago and it continues to be one of my favorite places in the world. If you've ever wanted to go to a place that literally could not scream "life in the PNW" any louder.... This is the quintessential spot to experience. If you're in town just to visit, make a point of taking a hike on the exercise trail. It's so stunning, especially in the fall, when all the leaves start changing color... Heck even in late spring early summer when all the flowers are blooming. If you're looking for a "rustic spot" to take family portraits.... Look no further. This place has some AMAZING spots to pose as well as the most beautiful backdrops imaginable. Our family does our portraits there all the time. And the nature walks there are literally second to none. If you bring your kids/dogs to the little creek, make SURE to bring a change of clothes and lots of towels, this place can be a little muddy. And fair warning!! The creek is pretty chilly. But it can be a tremendous relief on those super hot Washington summer days as it's usually about 10 degrees cooler by the creek. Also be sure to bring mosquito protection, as the water draws them in. But the little creek running beside the park and the waterfalls are too beautiful, and far outweigh the disadvantages. This is where I come to do my sketching and my unwinding. I feel so at peace in this park. And the park ranger is so incredibly kind. We love to barbecue here as well. The areas are always clean and immaculate, and I'm always so at home at Wildwood. I've been coming here all my life and will continue to make this park a part of our families most frequented...

I grew up going to this park as a child and I hadn’t been in probably 20 years until a couple of weeks ago. I remember it was my favorite place because of the small waterfall/dam near the playground. We recently went there for some geocaching and just do some local hiking. I found the trails to be very confusing. We started on one trail only to end up coming to kind of a dead end Near the property line fence. A lot of the trails seem to stop and start by going through picnic shelters and crossing the roads. I didn’t feel like there was one good continuous hike at the park but perhaps I just wasn’t reading the map very well. One thing we did find kind of knee was there was a story trail for children. It wasn’t too long of a trail and every 50 feet or so there would be a board with two pages of the story and it continued till the end of the trail. It also included periodic stretches and exercises to do for those wanting to get an extra work out. Yet again this story trail actually started near the parking lot you had to cross the road to continue the trail until the end. We didn’t know that it started in such an odd location and we ended up starting the story on the third board. Otherwise it’s a beautiful park with lush green trees. Well-maintained I just wish there were more continuous hiking trails that had better signage and didn’t get interrupted by having to cross the road...